John Calvin Commentary 2 Corinthians 8:4

"beseeching us with much entreaty in regard of this grace and the fellowship in the ministering to the saints:" — 2 Corinthians 8:4 (ASV)

Beseeching us with much entreaty. He expands on their promptness, since they not only did not wait for anyone to admonish them, but even implored those who would have admonished them, if their activity had not anticipated everyone's desires.

We must again repeat the comparison previously made between the lesser and the greater. If the Macedonians, without needing to be implored, press forward of their own accord, indeed, anticipate others by using entreaties, how shameful it is for the Corinthians to be inactive, especially after being admonished! If the Macedonians lead the way before all, how shameful it is for the Corinthians not, at least, to imitate their example! But what are we to think, when, not satisfied with imploring, they added to their requests earnest entreaty, and much of it too?

From this it appears that they had implored, not merely as a formality, but in genuine earnestness.

That the favor and the fellowship. He has used the term favor to recommend almsgiving, although the word can also be explained in different ways. However, this interpretation seems to me to be the simpler one: because, just as our heavenly Father freely gives us all things, so we should imitate His unmerited kindness in doing good (Matthew 5:45); or at least, because in using our resources, we are simply distributors of His favor.

The fellowship of this ministry consisted in Paul being a helper to the Macedonians in this ministry. They contributed from their own resources so that it might be administered to the saints. They wished for Paul to take charge of collecting it.